The Cane Corso is a large working dog who decends from the
ancient Roman Molossus. Native to Italy they now represent a
modern day continuation of war dogs that were sometimes pitted
against lions and other wild beasts in ancient Roman arenas.
These Molossian Mastiffs were in great demand as war dogs and
household guardians for generations to come. Throughout the
breeds existence, the cane corso were used as big game hunters.
Their power, courage, agility and tracking ability made them
especially valuable with wild boar, stag and bear. With the
decline in big game hunting the cane corso found a home with
Italian farmers. They were often used as a driver, moving animals
to the market and to the slaughter houses. On the farms they
protected the livestock from both human thieves and animal predators,
also doubling as a guard dog for homes and estates. With the
transformation of the agricultural structure in many regions
of Italy, this majestic dog was in danger of extinction. However,
with the help of some skillful and caring dog lovers in the
mid 1970's success was made in procuring as many good subjects
as possible. Selective breeding began and the cane corso was
given a new birth.
Since coming to America in the late 1980's the cane corso is
mainly recognized as family companions and guard dogs. The cane
corso bonds quickly to his family and becomes quite attached,
especially to the children. To the children they are playful,
protective, yet gentle, always aware of a child's helplessness
and innocence. They enjoy being included in the family activities.
Their athletic ability lends itself to include such activities
as hiking, jogging, long walks, swimming, bike riding or just
playing fetch. In the house hold they are not overly energetic
or spasmatic. They are generally a quiet dog, only barking to
alert in strange situations. They are very animal friendly and
will get along with any of your other pets.
The cane corso is instinctively a guard dog. Having a strong
sense of territory and desiring to be with his family, the
corso generally stays on his grounds. With strangers, they
are quite aloof, and will be suspicious until the person is
welcomed by the family. These dogs don't need any encouragement
to be agressive, they know specifically when and when not
to be protective. They should be socialized starting at young
ages. The cane corso are able to judge character without exception,
always to discern friend from foe. |
